HCPS FL Logo Information and Technology
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, April 29, 2014
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of Computer Equipment from the IBM Corporation (Information and Technology Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This agenda item authorizes the acquisition of a new tape solution, itemized in Attachment A, to replace the existing tape solution in the district’s data center.  The cost to maintain the existing tape solution is increasing as the device has been in service for over ten years.   The district stores information on tapes primarily for backup purposes and to reduce the cost of storing information on disk storage.   The new solution is faster, will provide additional capacity per tape, and adds the capability to encrypt the data for enhanced security.  The current technology tapes hold five times the capacity and perform six times as fast as the existing tape solution.  

The district negotiated directly with IBM and realized approximately 40 percent off the State of Florida contract reference pricing.  Acquiring computer equipment directly from IBM is in accordance with Florida Department of Education Purchasing Rule 6A-1.012(14). Information Technology, as defined in Section 282.0041(15), F.S., is exempt from the competitive solicitation process and acquisitions may be made by direct negotiation and contract with a vendor or supplier, as best fits the needs of the school district as determined by the district School Board.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The cost is $336,893.50.  This one-time expense will be funded through E-Rate reimbursement funds from the Information and Technology Division funds.  The annual maintenance renewal thereafter will be adjusted in the Information and Technology Division funds.
EVALUATION
The computer processing capacity and utilization is continually monitored by the Information Services staff.
SUBMITTED BY:  Richard E. Laneau, Jr., Data Center Manager, Information Services Department
Anna L. Brown   Gretchen Saunders
Chief Information and Technology Officer
(813) 272-4600
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.24
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20140429_631 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.24